Bug Identifier
Asiatic Garden Beetle
Community identification

Asiatic Garden Beetle

Maladera castanea

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera, Family: Scarabaeidae
Size
Approximately 8-10 mm (about 3/8 inch) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, lawns, and around outdoor lighting; common in the northeastern United States.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on foliage and flowers of over 100 different plants at night. Larvae (grubs) feed on the roots of grasses and ornamentals.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights. During the day, they hide in the soil or under mulch. They typically emerge as adults in the early summer.

Risks & Benefits

They are a common garden pest that can damage ornamental plants and vegetables. The grubs can damage lawns. They are not harmful to humans or pets.